Trans Nzoia Commissioner orders administrators not to salute Natembeya amid Ruto feud

Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Allasow Hussein has directed local administrators, including deputy and assistant county commissioners, chiefs and assistant chiefs, to stop saluting or offering Governor George Natembeya official courtesies.

Hussein accused the Governor of failing to show respect to President William Ruto.

The directive comes amid the ongoing standoff between Natembeya and the President over the opening of the Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale.

The County Commissioner issued the directive during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Trans Nzoia County on Tuesday.

“Mtu ambaye haeshimu rais msifanye nini? Msimheshimu! Anyone who does not respect the president, don’t respect him. Do you understand? And from today, nobody is allowed to salute the governor, do you understand? No one! I say that without any fear!” He said.

On Monday, business operations in Kitale town were disrupted following heavy police deployment which reportedly began around midnight.

General Service Unit (GSU) officers and anti-riot police were stationed around the market ahead of a planned prayer service led by Governor Natembeya.

The heightened security presence sparked fears of a possible confrontation, prompting traders to stay away from the usually busy central business district.

The planned prayers were instead briefly held at the Governor's office before police arrived and dispersed the gathering.

Later in the afternoon, police reportedly attempted to arrest Governor Natembeya at his Milimani residence, but the operation was unsuccessful.

The standoff prompted business leaders to appeal for dialogue between the Governor and the national government, warning that continued political tensions could further disrupt economic activities.

Governor Natembeya, meanwhile, called for traders to be allowed to continue operating at their current locations until the dispute surrounding the market is resolved.